Manchester United have reportedly missed out on signing Sporting Lisbon’s highly-rated wing-back Geovany Quenda, who is now set to join Chelsea. Despite being heavily linked with the 17-year-old, the Red Devils never submitted an official bid, allowing their Premier League rivals to secure the deal.
Following Ruben Amorim’s arrival as United’s new manager, the club was expected to target players from his former team. Quenda was seen as a perfect fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, but United hesitated to make a concrete move. Instead, Chelsea acted swiftly, agreeing on a £40m deal that will see Quenda spend the 2025-26 season on loan at Sporting before joining Stamford Bridge on a seven-year contract.
Reports suggest that United did hold informal talks with Quenda’s agent, Jorge Mendes, back in November. However, their decision to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January influenced their decision to step back from the Quenda pursuit. Dorgu’s versatility on both flanks made him a more immediate solution for United’s needs.
Chelsea’s decision to play Quenda as a winger, rather than a wing-back, also played a role in convincing the Portuguese youngster to join the Blues. Quenda has enjoyed a breakout season at Sporting, registering two goals and eight assists in 43 appearances, and has now earned a call-up to Portugal’s national team for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
In addition to Quenda, Chelsea are also closing in on another Sporting talent, Dario Essugo. The 20-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at Las Palmas, is set to join the Blues for £18.6m as part of a £58.6m double deal. Essugo has impressed in La Liga this season, operating as both a defensive and central midfielder.
The capture of Quenda and Essugo highlights Chelsea’s aggressive transfer strategy under Enzo Maresca, as they aim to strengthen their squad with young, versatile talents. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s reluctance to act quickly in the market has once again cost them a promising target.
With Quenda set to continue his development at Sporting next season, Chelsea will hope he can follow in the footsteps of other young stars who have thrived at Stamford Bridge. As for United, their focus now shifts to integrating Patrick Dorgu into Amorim’s system while addressing other areas of the squad in the summer window.
The two rising stars will be closely watched as Chelsea and United continue their battle for supremacy in the Premier League.